An 18-month-old baby has died after being left alone in a locked car during extreme heat in Marseille, France, marking the fourth such incident in just days. The baby was found unconscious in the parking lot of the Aix-Marseille University medical campus on Monday, June 22, suffering from hyperthermia. Despite being rushed to La Timone hospital in critical condition, medical staff were unable to save the child.
The parent reportedly works at the campus. Éric Berton, President of Aix-Marseille University, expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, saying: "It is with deep sadness that we learned of the tragic news that occurred on the Timone campus. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. We also express our support to all those who witnessed or were affected by this tragic event."
Three other child deaths in similar incidents
This incident is the fourth child death from hot cars in France over the past week. In another case, two children were found dead in a family vehicle parked in the garage of a detached house in the Bois de l'Ubac area of Carpentras. Their mother reportedly "forgot" them while out shopping, according to a police source speaking to Le Parisien. A manslaughter investigation has been launched.
In a separate incident, a three-year-old boy was found dead by his parents on Wednesday evening, June 24, in Saint-Gratien, Val-d'Oise. The child had told his parents he was going for a nap in his room, but around 45 minutes later, he was discovered in cardiac arrest in the family vehicle. His mother's scream alerted a passing bus driver who performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Police are investigating how the boy got into the car.
Heatwave gripping France
High temperatures are gripping France, with some areas experiencing highs of 33°C, according to the Daily Star. The incidents highlight the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles during extreme heat, as temperatures inside cars can quickly become lethal.
